5 Frugal Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Gifts holidays are always a little tough when you are working your way out of a mess. So, courtesy of the Dave Ramsey team via the Gazelle Gazette e-newsletter, here are...

5 Frugal Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Last year the average American spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $70 on Valentine's Day.That may be within your budget, but spending money doesn't necessarily make it a happy Cupid day. Spending time, on the other hand, can do just that. If you're working your way through the debt snowball and don't have a lot of cash lying around, here are some tips for enjoying February 14:

Make dinner together – There's nothing wrong with going out to eat, but standing in line for two hours isn't the most romantic thing in the world. And don't even get us started on the jacked-up prices you are waiting to pay. Plan a candlelit dinner that you cook together. It's a great bonding experience that you can look forward to.

Go to less frequented places – You may not want a meal out, but what about going to a coffee shop for a quiet drink or dessert? The prices and crowds will be lower, and you have to admit that a sweet with your sweetie brings a smile to your face.

Write letters – Some people might feel cheesy doing something like this. They think it's best left to contestants on The Bachelorette who will not be getting a rose. But a letter to your husband or wife telling them how you feel about them or what you admire most about them is a nice gesture that they'll appreciate.

Movie night – There are tons of free movies you can check out from the library. Rent an old favorite and snuggle up on the couch. You might also check to see if there is a dollar-movie theater around that is showing an older movie or a classic title.

Check out the used bookstore – This might be a hidden gem of an idea. You both can stroll through and browse all the titles on the shelves. A few books are bound to stand out to you, and even if you're not a reader, some of the subjects are sure to be conversation starters.

When you get down to it, the most important thing is that you and your husband or wife spend time together. These are just some suggestions for making it happen. Since you know your marriage better than anyone, think of ways to nurture it.

And by the way, according to a recent poll, 87% of women say the gift they want most is just to hear, "I love you." Guess how much that costs?

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Let me add one more. The sweetest inexpensive date idea I have ever heard came from a law school friend who said when she and her husband were newly married and had no money, they would go on a date to the Hallmark Cards store. They would split up, find the very best card for the other, and then meet back up. They would read the card they wished they could buy and share why they chose it.

Even if you have plenty of money, that one just might make for a very special evening.

Happy Valentine's Day!